Gleason: Giants' rebound only possible if veterans do same

Kevin Gleason

Saturday

Jul 19, 2014 at 6:40 PMJul 20, 2014 at 12:43 AM

Two types of pro athletes usually deserve a good look. One is the player in his contract year. The other is the player coming off a bad season or facing a career crossroads. They share a desire to do everything possible to prove their worth or prove others wrong.

Two types of pro athletes usually deserve a good look. One is the player in his contract year. The other is the player coming off a bad season or facing a career crossroads. They share a desire to do everything possible to prove their worth or prove others wrong.

The Giants have key players fitting the category as training camp opens on Monday, first practice Tuesday. The main man fitting the list, of course, is Eli Manning.

He isn't entering a contract season, but Manning is always within spitting distance of doubters and naysayers combing the landscape. Not even two Super Bowl titles in five seasons have given Manning a lifetime pass from scathing critiques. He is coming off two seasons without a spot in the playoffs and a performance last year as dismal as the guys paid to block for him. You could only blame so much on the line and inconsistent receivers when Manning's numbers are as such: 57.5 percent completion rate, 18 touchdowns, 27 interceptions, 69.4 rating.

Manning doesn't need anyone buzzing in his ear to know that he must be significantly better this season. He already has made one declarative statement by going virtually from the operating table to the practice field following left ankle surgery. Now that Manning has healed his body, fans are eager to see if he can cleanse his mind while learning a new offense.

Manning clearly feels a sense of urgency in quickly adopting the schemes of new offensive coordinator Ben McAdoo. Manning has known only Kevin Gilbride's style for seven of his 10 NFL seasons. Sometimes a fresh approach, a different ear, is the necessary potion for a veteran battling bouts of inconsistency. McAdoo could be exactly what Manning needs to produce a rebound season. And Manning promises to be an ideal 33-year-old student.

"Eli is very humble,'' McAdoo said. "He is a guy that is very anxious and very excited to be a part of something. He didn't have the year that he wanted to have last year, so we didn't talk about this. But what I see is a guy who is a consummate pro and excited to move on.''

Quarterbacks coach Danny Langsdorf, another newcomer, revealed more about Manning's psyche. Langsdorf and McAdoo have spent considerable time working on Manning's fundamentals in trying to cut down on turnovers and improve his accuracy and decision-making skills.

"I think there's no question he's motivated to improve from last year,'' Langsdorf said. "You can see that just with his daily preparation. He's picked up the offense in a short period of time; he's done a great job with adjustments.''

Several teammates face similar proving-ground scenarios. Guard Chris Snee's status is far more tenuous than Manning's, having missed all but three games last season with a torn labrum in his right hip. Snee endured elbow surgery following the season, and yet he's convinced that there's at least another high-level season in him.

On the other side of the ball, Jason Pierre-Paul faces both a contract year and a hunger to become the defensive-end demon who consistently made highlight-reel plays across the 2011 season. Having an angry, desperate and healthy Pierre-Paul in the mix could turn out to be one heck of an asset for the Giants.

"I've got something to prove this year and I want to shut them up,'' Pierre-Paul said. "A lot of people are doubting me. I know what people have been saying. But it's OK. I'll get them back this year.''

Tough words no doubt. Pierre-Paul's back was aggravated as well last season, clearly affecting his play following offseason surgery. He was hardly the play-making terror fans had come to expect. Pierre-Paul gave an early sign of his determination by arriving for offseason workouts at 275 pounds, 15 lighter than last season, a significant change for a player relying on speed and quickness off the line.

"I think he's in as good of shape as he's been since I've been here,'' defensive-line coach Robert Nunn said. "He's been impressive.''

The Giants as a whole have plenty to prove. They are 16-16 without a playoff berth in two seasons since winning the Super Bowl. They have revamped their coaching staff. They have taken an un-Giants-like approach by signing a league-high 16 free agents this offseason.

New coaches, new approaches and new players promise to create an intriguing season. The determining factor in the Giants' success, though, could be the re-emergence of familiar faces bent on making the 2014 season their personal proving ground.

kgleason@th-record.com;

Twitter: @th_KevinGleason

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